World Health Organization Issues Concern Over Critical Shortage of Weight-Loss Medications
Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen access, via measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, as their usual appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.